Cybersecurity
CISA Orders Federal Agencies to Turn Off SolarWinds Products
A critical flaw in software used throughout government was reportedly used to breach a major security company and at least two federal agencies.
Cybersecurity
FBI, CISA, State Leaders Warn Schools About Ransomware Threats
The percentage of ransomware attacks perpetrated against schools more than doubled in 2020.
Cybersecurity
Why Certain Cybersecurity Provisions Made it into the NDAA and Others Didn’t
An effort to establish a public-private collaboration environment was cut from the final bill but a controversial insurance provision was retained.
Emerging Tech
Bill to Boost CBP’s Synthetic Opioid-Detecting Tech Awaits President's Signature
Among other requirements, it calls for the establishment of a new, centralized database.
Cybersecurity
What to Expect from CISA’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation Efforts in 2021
Program managers said the summer will bring data quality checks.
Cybersecurity
CISA Warns of Iran’s Offensive Cyber Capabilities
One observer suggests the alert is meant more for the adversary than defenders.
Cybersecurity
CISA, FBI Warn that U.S. Think Tanks Are in Hackers’ Crosshairs
The agencies share guidance for shoring up defenses in a remote work environment that can disguise attackers.
Cybersecurity
Krebs Unloads About Trump’s Election-Fraud Claims
In the fallout from being fired, the former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is concerned about how his experience will affect the recruitment of future leaders.
Digital Government
DHS IG Opens Probe into Warrantless Cellphone Tracking
The investigation is in response to a Congressional inquiry about Customs and Border Protection getting location data from phones.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers, Experts Split on CBP's Proposed Biometric System Advancement
Some experts see Customs and Border Protection’s proposed rulemaking expanding biometric entry-exit as the culmination of more than a decade of careful work. Others say the technology poses privacy concerns.
Cybersecurity
Biden Team Highlights Cybersecurity Focus With First Cabinet Picks
Familiar faces will likely have to revisit efforts around information sharing and establishing global norms.
Digital Government
DHS CIO Shares Plans for Next Chief Data Officer
The department’s chief information officer said her office is moving fast on building segment architectures she expects will help with risk management.
Emerging Tech
CBP Proposes Eliminating Age Restrictions and Opt-Out Policies for Non-Citizen Biometric Data Collection
The new rule enables Customs and Border Protection to expand its biometric entry-exit program and changes other regulations along the way.
Digital Government
CISA Director Fired After Challenging President's Baseless Election Claims
After helping to keep the election secure from hackers, the CISA director turned to refuting the baseless claims of the president.
Cybersecurity
CISA Needs More Resources to Avoid ‘Whack-a-Mole’ Operation, Lawmaker Says
The agency shelved routine work protecting federal networks to turn its attention to pressing pandemic and election issues.
Cybersecurity
Key Senator Denounces Federal CISO’s Investigation of Alleged Voter Fraud
After just a month into his new post, Camilo Sandoval is on a break to help the Trump campaign.
Emerging Tech
Advisory Committee Recommends DHS Perform Better Outreach Regarding Biometrics Programs
The Homeland Security Advisory Council also said its request to review a controversial biometrics rule was never fulfilled.
Cybersecurity
Myths About Vote Tampering Could Persist For Years, Say Experts
The huge follower counts of dedicated misinformers appear to outweigh efforts by journalists, government officials, and the social media platforms themselves.
Artificial Intelligence
Homeland Security’s Small Business Program Will Focus on Viruses, Security and Networks in 2021
The Small Business Innovation Research program identified 12 tentative topics as priorities for the coming year.
Cybersecurity